A solid collection, although it takes some time to warm up. The first two stories are suitably amusing, but there's a noticeable up-tick in the remainA solid collection, although it takes some time to warm up. The first two stories are suitably amusing, but there's a noticeable up-tick in the remaining three entries; an emotional investment in the characters that is both touching and engaging. It's also one of the most fanwank-heavy entries in the "Star Wars" canon, as all the stories weave themselves in & out of the events of "The Empire Strikes Back"...some more successfully than others. Not quite what I was expecting, but a worthwhile journey in the end....more

I only have two complaints: (1) the entire Shadowspan storyline seems to come out of left field, as if everyone should be familiar with it...which weI only have two complaints: (1) the entire Shadowspan storyline seems to come out of left field, as if everyone should be familiar with it...which we aren't..., and (2) I think the prologue and epilogue aren't needed, and somewhat spoil a very poetic ending. Luckily, the rest of the novel is so stellar it practically steamrolls over these complaints. It's certainly one of the best characterizations of Luke Skywalker I've ever read, and his journey to the conclusion of this story is particularly satisfying. this novel would have made a great stand-alone film....more

This is to the old Legends continuity what the more recent "Thrawn" is to the new Disney continuity: telling the introductory story of one of the mostThis is to the old Legends continuity what the more recent "Thrawn" is to the new Disney continuity: telling the introductory story of one of the most interesting characters to come out of any version of the extended "Star Wars" universe. In some respects it isn't quite as successful, as much of Thrawn's character doesn't get the exclusive focus it does in the more recent novel. But its only a minor complains, as Timothy Zahn manages to incorporate the introduction as part of a much wider, far more operatic tale...one that makes the universe of the prequels far more interesting than any of the actual films. The best description for this epic novel would be "sweeping"....more

This is such a huge improvement over the first book...a positive quantum leap in quality storytelling...it's as if someone else wrote Aftermath #1. ItThis is such a huge improvement over the first book...a positive quantum leap in quality storytelling...it's as if someone else wrote Aftermath #1. It contains everything I felt this first volume in the trilogy was lacking: an emotional investment in the characters, breathtaking set-pieces, and a building tension that explodes in one hell of a climax. This is what all "Star Wars" novels should aspire to be like....more

It nearly loses control during the craziness of the fight scenes, but in the end it all manages to hang together to become, not only one of the most eIt nearly loses control during the craziness of the fight scenes, but in the end it all manages to hang together to become, not only one of the most enjoyably straight-forward action adventure "Star Wars" tale I've read in some time, but the single best depiction of Han Solo I've read in print. Every scene delights, and I pictured Harrison Ford delivering every line in perfect character. The only "Star Wars" novel to make me burst out laughing on four separate occasions....more

I was disappointed...and I was disappointed that I ended up feeling disappointed. Chuck Wendig has a lovely, easily-flowing writing style, and he setsI was disappointed...and I was disappointed that I ended up feeling disappointed. Chuck Wendig has a lovely, easily-flowing writing style, and he sets up many intriguing glimpses at a post-Endor "Star Wars" universe...but at heart it's a story full of characters I simply didn't care about. I just couldn't work up any enthusiasm or investment in their situation...and the one I might have cared about the most (Wedge Antilles) spends half the novel in a state of unconsciousness. The one thing I found fascinating was the series of interludes -- glimpses into other parts of the galaxy, trying to shake off the yolk of Empire. Hopefully, I get some of this expanded in the next "Aftermath" book. I might be a minority voice here, but this is a definitely mixed bag for my own personal "Star Wars" tastes....more

It's a breezy, entertaining read that ties together an almost improbable amount of pre-Disney/Legends era continuity. It's enjoyable for what it is, bIt's a breezy, entertaining read that ties together an almost improbable amount of pre-Disney/Legends era continuity. It's enjoyable for what it is, but I'm afraid it's been rather eclipsed by all the work done in the more recent continuity surrounding "Rogue One" -- especially in novels such as "Catalyst", "Tarkin" and "Thrawn". These are full course meals, compared to the light, confectionery delights found in "Death Star"....more

A neat premise, but in the end it's an enjoyable if unremarkable action-adventure...one that feels a bit drawn out in its final act. What it needs isA neat premise, but in the end it's an enjoyable if unremarkable action-adventure...one that feels a bit drawn out in its final act. What it needs is the extra character edges found in a novel like "Choices of One". Martha Wells doesn't quite shakedown the relationship between Han & Leia the way Timothy Zahn does, but it's always satisfying to encounter a new voice in the "Star Wars" literary universe, embracing the post-Battle of Yavin era with gusto....more

Utterly superb. Why is this magnificent character not in our "Star Wars" movies...because he most certainly deserves to be. An origin book that manageUtterly superb. Why is this magnificent character not in our "Star Wars" movies...because he most certainly deserves to be. An origin book that manages to pack years of characters development & adventure into four hundred pages, with the addition of a magnificent friendship and a lesson in genuine loyalty. Timothy Zahn, I bow before your greatness....more

As the novel that takes the original (now labeled "Legends") Star Wars novel timeline to its furthest point beyond "Return of the Jedi", it is very muAs the novel that takes the original (now labeled "Legends") Star Wars novel timeline to its furthest point beyond "Return of the Jedi", it is very much aware that it is marking the end of an era. To those of us who maintain loyalty to the original continuity, this is a fine conclusion to the range, with a deserving focus on Luke, Leia & Han...continuing to do what they do best, but realizing it's time to hand the baton over to a new generation of fighters and heroes. In the midst of all this, Troy Denning doesn't neglect the construction of a stand-alone action/adventure that provides the usual thrills and chills, with only a few links to the recent developments in previous novels that might be puzzling to newcomers. The conclusion is sweet without drowning in sugar -- a fine farewell to the pre-Disney "Star Wars" universe so many of us loved & adored....more

I read this in the bookstore. It took roughly five minutes, and most of it came from my own memory, as opposed to what was printed on the page. As simI read this in the bookstore. It took roughly five minutes, and most of it came from my own memory, as opposed to what was printed on the page. As simplistic and cynical a cash-in item as you can imagine, this is an over-expensive fan to cool yourself with on a hot day...not an actual book worth the time of any "Star Wars" fanboy or fangirl. Compare this to the magnificent, thematically-organized, artistically-assembled "Doctor Who" equivalent; it's a stale cheese & tomato sandwich, next to a gourmet Kobe beef steak dinner. Unworthy, unwarranted, and undeserving of anyone's cash or library card usage....more

There's one thing you can always depend on: Timothy Zahn delivering a barn-burning, balls-to-the-wall "Star Wars" action adventure that ticks all theThere's one thing you can always depend on: Timothy Zahn delivering a barn-burning, balls-to-the-wall "Star Wars" action adventure that ticks all the satisfaction boxes. At times, I was worried he was starting to juggle too many balls in "Choices of One", especially in terms of the cast of characters...which seemed to number in the dozens (if not hundreds). But he never lets any of the balls drop, in the face of overwhelming, byzantine (even farcical) plot complications. One thing he certainly manages is to give Han Solo bucket-loads of authentic character development...more than all of AC Crispin's "Han Solo" trilogy combined. This is immensely satisfying from start to finish....more

If I could, I would have given this a 3.5 star rating, as no matter how well John Jackson Miller writes (and his writing is wonderful), no one is everIf I could, I would have given this a 3.5 star rating, as no matter how well John Jackson Miller writes (and his writing is wonderful), no one is ever going to make the adventures of people on Tatooine exciting or engaging...I'm simply sick to death of this planet and its population of Sand People, Hutts and endless cantinas. But on the strength of the Ben/Annie relationship alone I'm raising this to 4 stars. It's the finest character building I've ever seen applied to Obi-Wan, and Mr. Miller's writing completely sells the powerful connection between the Jedi & the shopkeeper, even when they're not talking to each other directly. Sheer charm and emotional strength pulls this novel through to its satisfying conclusion....more

I'm still rather dismayed at the abandoning of the old (now "Legends") continuity for the "Star Wars" universe, but in this case, it does work to creaI'm still rather dismayed at the abandoning of the old (now "Legends") continuity for the "Star Wars" universe, but in this case, it does work to create an effective tragedy. The story of Leia's fall and rise, as the galaxy inevitably heads into another conflict, is methodically constructed, with just the right amount of betrayal and disappointment to give it that Shakespearean edge. It also lays the groundwork & explains the birth and background of the First Order far more clearly than "The Force Awakens" manages on film. A solid, captivating, sad story...and what makes it even sadder is that it takes away the happier family saga created for Han & Leia in the previous continuity. A double tragedy...but one transformed into worthy storytelling....more

It's just as good as the previous volume in this trilogy...which is me damning with faint praise. It's an enjoyable series of adventures & traveloIt's just as good as the previous volume in this trilogy...which is me damning with faint praise. It's an enjoyable series of adventures & travelogues, but once again there is much that is glossed over, or communicated in the tell-don't-show style of the previous books. In fact, the plot of the late 1970s Brian Daley-authored Han Solo trilogy is summarized in interludes lasting a few pages each -- which is either audacious or outrageous, depending on your mood. In the end, you can't help but feel that, no matter what heights it might reach, A.C. Crispin's trilogy is one long excuse to move Han & Chewie quickly into position for their introduction in "A New Hope". However, I will give kudos to the best part of the novel: a battle to the death between two Hutts. It has to be read to be believed......more

I still have issues with this Han Solo series: once again, it's all tell-don't-show in regards to Solo's imperial career and his rescue of Chewie fromI still have issues with this Han Solo series: once again, it's all tell-don't-show in regards to Solo's imperial career and his rescue of Chewie from slavery (unforgivably covered in a matter of a few pages). Solo's first meeting with Lando is also rather perfunctory, and far less momentous than it could have been. But those complaints aside, this is a major leap in quality from the previous book. It's far more exciting and engaging a tale than "The Paradise Snare", and it manages to make Hutt society and politics -- never an interest of mine -- into something fascinating and compelling. Hopefully, this upward trend in quality continues in the final book of the Han Solo trilogy....more

I wanted to like this. The prose style makes it an effortless read, and A. C. Crispin writes solid action set pieces...but this simply isn't the storyI wanted to like this. The prose style makes it an effortless read, and A. C. Crispin writes solid action set pieces...but this simply isn't the story I was expecting or wanted. I didn't want a romantic adventure tour of the galaxy, featuring Han Solo in a soap-opera love story. I wanted what was hinted at in the first two chapters: the violent, dark & formidable forces that shaped a young Han Solo, told in epic, detailed, Dickensian fashion. If you're going to make Solo's origins a tribute to "Oliver Twist", then you need to go all the way. Instead, the first two chapters comprise two decades of Basil Exposition, which fills in the basics with all the enjoyment of a Wikipedia entry. But I wasn't looking for an info-dump...I was looking for an engaging, tragic, triumphant coming of age story, worthy of a character like Han Solo. Instead, I read a novel that makes me think the author was much more comfortable writing for the "Star Trek" universe (where she produced some solid novels), as opposed to the "Star Wars" universe. I will eventually finish this Solo trilogy, but I'm left wondering what James Luceno or Timothy Zahn could have done with all this unused potential......more

This sails a bit close to the wind for me. Not only does much of the plot unfold simultaneously with "The Phantom Meance", it's also dipping into theThis sails a bit close to the wind for me. Not only does much of the plot unfold simultaneously with "The Phantom Meance", it's also dipping into the same overload of politics and economics that drowned that film in mediocrity. The only saving grace in this case is that James Luceno is a far better writer than George Lucas...but even Luceno can only do so much with this type of material. It just gets in the way of the more interesting story of between Plagueis & Palpatine, and when the novel focuses on their relationship, it shines. One almost feels sorry for Plagueis by the end...but he was certainly defeated by the far more cunning and intelligence man....more

This is wonderful: a fast paced action adventure, with an interesting sprinkling of post-Empire politics, and a plot where everyone has something inteThis is wonderful: a fast paced action adventure, with an interesting sprinkling of post-Empire politics, and a plot where everyone has something interesting to do. In fact, its command of character is by far the best aspect of the novel; Han Solo has never been more laugh out loud fantastic, and both Threepio & Artoo get to show why they are the most heroic droids in the galaxy. A gem of a "Star Wars" novel that deserves far wider appreciation....more

Is it disturbing that I want to spend so much time with Darth Vader & his Emperor? I can't help it -- Vader has been my favourite "Star Wars" charIs it disturbing that I want to spend so much time with Darth Vader & his Emperor? I can't help it -- Vader has been my favourite "Star Wars" character since I was a little boy, and I inhaled each and every moment of the adventures of the darkest pair of characters in the galaxy. Unfortunately, while the entire novel is expertly written, I was simply less interested in the rebel movement, and I was chomping at the bit to get back to all the action with the Sith Lords. I also found the ending to be disappointingly abrupt. Had it been simply Palpatine and Vader, surviving in the jungle, I would be raining 5 star ratings down on this novel. But at least I can go back and re-read those chapters and re-live the excitement....more

A prequel to a prequel, "Catalyst" fleshes out the backgrounds of the Ersos & Krennic, as well as establishing the type of influences young Jyn ErA prequel to a prequel, "Catalyst" fleshes out the backgrounds of the Ersos & Krennic, as well as establishing the type of influences young Jyn Erso experienced on her journey to becoming the person we see in "Rogue One". In many ways, this is one of the quietest, most character-based "Star Wars" novels -- no Vader, limited action set pieces, a great deal of politics. However, it does an excellent job of depicting how people have been forced to adapt to the new reality of the Empire, and where ethics and pragmatism collide in very messy ways. It's also a lovely companion piece to the author's previous novel, "Tarkin". You won't lose anything by not reading that previous effort, but it does offer some nice counter-points to life under the new order....more

It's a bit of slow burn at the start, but "Tarkin" evolves into a fascinating look at the dawn of the Galatic Empire from the p.o.v. of its military fIt's a bit of slow burn at the start, but "Tarkin" evolves into a fascinating look at the dawn of the Galatic Empire from the p.o.v. of its military forces, making for a refreshing change from stories concerned with only smugglers or Jedi. The growth and development of what may plausibly be called a "friendship" between the Grand Moff & Darth Vader is the highlight of this excellent read....more

I finally got around to reading this, the first ever "Star Wars" expanded universe novel. It's a quick read, but if you're looking for an enjoyable, sI finally got around to reading this, the first ever "Star Wars" expanded universe novel. It's a quick read, but if you're looking for an enjoyable, self-contained action adventure, it certainly fulfills that mandate. Some continuity points established over the last 25 years are either not present or contradicted by later stories; that concerns me less than the characterization of Leia. She seems far too prickly and moody, especially compared to the capable, warm young woman we meet in "A New Hope". She seems especially stand-offish with Luke, even though the film quickly established a warm relationship between the two of them; I must admit that I was irritated by her characterization on more than one occasion. Supporting characters in general are quickly sketched in, and lack the depth of the post-1991 novels. However, Luke and the droids are handled with much more evident enthusiasm, and leaving Vader until the end of the story adds a great deal of palpable menace to the climax. It's not the most memorable "Star Wars" novel, but Alan Dean Foster deserves kudos for launching the series with a solid first entry....more

There isn't very much I needed to learn from this book; as a long time "Star Wars" fan, I'd say that 90% of what is in this volume are facts that I (aThere isn't very much I needed to learn from this book; as a long time "Star Wars" fan, I'd say that 90% of what is in this volume are facts that I (and a considerably number of other fans) already knew. Combined with a breathless adulation & a lack of critique, this makes for a very bland encyclopedia, without much of a logical organization. I suppose I've been spoiled: being a "Doctor Who" fan is to be part of a legacy of amazing analytical fan critiques, ranging from the "Discontinuity Guide" to the "About Time" series to Phil Sandifer's "TARDIS Eruditorum". In comparison, this book seems pretty banal and insubstantial....more

The first "Star Wars" novel that I've read in the new, post-Force Awakens continuity...and it's a mixed bag. The first half rambles through a number oThe first "Star Wars" novel that I've read in the new, post-Force Awakens continuity...and it's a mixed bag. The first half rambles through a number of stories and trips, and I was beginning to think I had more of a short story/travelogue on my hands. Of those stories, I think the jungle world adveture could be cut without losing anything from the novel. On the flip side, I enjoyed Luke's first person narration, his exploration of the Force, and the main plot of the novel...which finally gets going in the second half. Overall, I was looking for a bit more of a meaty, intense tale than what I found, but as a selection of days in the early Rebellion life of Luke Skywalker, it manages to hold its own....more

One of the most gorgeous geeky coffee table books you are likely to find. What is especially fascinating is discovering the earliest vision of the "StOne of the most gorgeous geeky coffee table books you are likely to find. What is especially fascinating is discovering the earliest vision of the "Star Wars" characters -- to say nothing of particular scenes etched in our memory -- and how different they could have been. In particular, the opening storyboards for "A New Hope" are surprising (even disturbingly) graphic in the violence they depict. On the lighter side, some of the artwork (especially facial expressions) can be unintentionally hilarious. My only gripe is that I would have preferred much more text commentary to accompany the visuals, and describe the evolutionary design process in more detail. Sometimes I want to pick the brain of designers and artists a little more, than simply be left to speculate.

A slight, if amusing book, that will keep the youngest "Star Wars" fans happy...but containing just enough jokes and Wookiee growls to keep the now-cyA slight, if amusing book, that will keep the youngest "Star Wars" fans happy...but containing just enough jokes and Wookiee growls to keep the now-cynical adult fans chuckling....more

I recently rediscovered this slice of my childhood in a used book store. I will unashamedly admit that I felt the same rush of geeky excitement flippiI recently rediscovered this slice of my childhood in a used book store. I will unashamedly admit that I felt the same rush of geeky excitement flipping through this photo book as I did when I was six years old. It's a little bit of heaven from my golden age...a time before we could simply slot a movie into a VCR, never mind modern DVD players. Something to cherish....more

I wanted to like this a great deal -- it's set in a key moment in Star Wars history, and works from a fascinating premise. Unfortunately, everything sI wanted to like this a great deal -- it's set in a key moment in Star Wars history, and works from a fascinating premise. Unfortunately, everything seems to move very slowly, the characters seem to function on auto-pilot (with no spark), and even a key moment with Leia seems so...underwhelming. It's not a miserable book by any standard...but it IS ridiculously (and inexplicably) bland....more

One of those "competent...but why is it NECESSARY" books. Some fans are obsessed with competitions between SF universes...why can't you simply enjoy aOne of those "competent...but why is it NECESSARY" books. Some fans are obsessed with competitions between SF universes...why can't you simply enjoy all the ones you enjoy and be satisfied? I'm a Doctor Who fan, a Star Trek fan, AND a Star Wars fan...and I've never needed to defend them against each other. Voyager/Enterprise/Episode 1-2-3 prequels aside (all equally disappointing), I love all THREE series, and all THREE universes. That's more than good enough for me -- debate is unnecessary....more